If you’re a 13-year-old looking for your first job or extra opportunities to make money, we have some great news. While you won’t be able to work for most traditional employers because child labor rules protect 13-year-olds, plenty of other jobs are out there where you can start working at an early age. Some of these jobs may be easier than others, but they can all teach you valuable lessons you will carry with you throughout your life. So, if you’re a 13-year-old looking for a job, check out this list of jobs that any kid your age can get.
For your convenience, we have categorized these jobs into the following categories:
- Physical Jobs
- Mental Jobs
- In-Home Jobs
- In-Public Jobs
- Creative Jobs
- Seasonal Jobs
Navigate to the section that appeals to you, and let’s get to the jobs!
Physical jobs for 13-year-olds
For those 13-year-olds who like to go outside and get moving around, various physical jobs will provide you with the benefits of exercise and fresh air while also putting some cash in your pocket. See if any of these jobs appeal to you:
Dog Walking or Dog Sitting
Many people in the world have busy lives, so it’s no surprise that there is a high demand for dog walkers. Dog walking is simply the act of taking dogs out for walks, while dog sitting involves caring for them while their owners are away. This job is not necessarily easy, especially when you are in charge of supplying food and care, but it’s very rewarding when you see the smile on your client’s face as they return home to a happy and well-cared-for pup. You can start doing this job as soon as you have proven you can handle taking care of dogs. Many thirteen-year-olds show they are responsible enough for this job by walking their parents’ dogs before taking on more dogs. This job is perfect for boosting your skill and confidence. To begin, read this article on how to become a teenage dog walker.
Fishing
Some people make a living from fishing by catching and selling their catch to grocery stores, while others make a nice profit by selling fish to friends and family. Fishing is often done for fun or as a hobby but can be a great way to make money because it’s up to you and can be done in many locations. If you have the skills to fish for a profit, you’ll get to enjoy the outdoors and earn some cash at the same time. Understanding the basics of catching a fish is necessary to begin.
Horse Care and Horseback Riding
Horseback riding might not be something that many people think of when they are 13, but it can be a great way to make money. Just like dog walking, this job is great for thirteen-year-olds because it allows you to spend time with animals and get outdoors. Teens who work at horse stables may be required to help clean the barns, feed and groom the horses, or help with general maintenance. Or, you may simply get to spend time riding horses while also giving the horses important exercise. This is a good job for thirteen-year-olds who love animals because it can be easily done after school or on weekends and allows you to spend time with animals. Learn how to ride a horse.
Lawn Work
Lawn work is a great way for thirteen-year-olds like you to spend time outside. The most common lawn jobs are mowing grass, raking leaves, and pulling weeds. Many thirteen-year-olds start doing lawn work for their parents, then move on to jobs in their neighborhood. If your parents approve you to use their push mower, this job requires no investment, and you’re ready to start mowing lawns as soon as you can show your potential customers you’re capable of completing the job. Get started making money mowing lawns.
Gardening / Landscaping
Gardening is very similar to lawn work, but it requires a bit more attention to detail. If you love being outside and working with your hands, this might be the job for you. You will need patience because it can take a while for something to grow, but if you are willing to put in the work, gardening can be a great job that allows you to spend time outdoors. You could grow produce or flowers in your own garden that people are willing to pay for—check out your local markets to see how much they charge for produce and set up an arrangement to sell to them. Or, you can help people in your neighborhood with planting, weeding, and harvesting. Before gardening for others, learn how to start your own garden for practice.
Recycling Cans and Bottles
Many 13-year-olds are looking for ways to make money but aren’t really into working retail or other jobs. If this sounds like you, then why not try recycling cans and bottles? Many towns offer the opportunity for people to turn in recyclable materials in return for cash. The benefit of doing so is that you get to supplement your savings and help protect the environment at the same time. Check the top of a can or bottle for the recycling symbol and see how much cash is offered when recycled. Then, turn them in at your local Walmart, grocery store, can redemption site, or other location that offers this collection service.
Golf Caddy
If you love sports and want to spend time outside, this might be the perfect job for you. Many golf courses need caddies, and caddying can be a great way for a young person to earn money while learning more about the game. You will need to have good stamina—in this case, the ability to walk long distances around the golf course with someone playing the game. You are responsible for carrying their clubs, making sure they have everything they need, and keeping track of their swings. Contact your local golf courses to see if they are hiring, or ask golfers among your friends and family if they are in need of a caddy. Learn more about Caddying 101 here.
Mental Jobs for 13-year-olds
If you prefer not to work outdoors or take on a physically demanding job, you can still find a job perfect for you. Instead, look for a job that will allow you to think. These types of jobs are great for younger people who may not be able to handle the intensity of some of the physical jobs listed above:
Tutoring
If you have a particular school subject you excel in, tutoring can be a great way to make money as a 13-year-old. This job gives you the opportunity to spend time with other kids and help them learn something you already know well. Tutoring requires patience, but it can be very rewarding when you see the improvement in your student’s grades. Some tutors even get paid to help their students with homework or attend school functions. The advantage of this job is that you can set your own hours and work as often or as little as you’d like. Learn how to start a tutoring business.
Freelance Writing
If you love writing and want to make some money, becoming a freelance writer could be the perfect business. You can write unique articles for newspapers, online businesses, and more—all from your own thirteen-year-old perspective. The best way to get started is to create a website and develop a portfolio of your past work so potential clients can see what you have to offer. When you are first starting out, you might need to work as a ghostwriter, which is paid writing work where someone else gets to put their name on your article—this can be a great way to build your portfolio.
Video Editing
If you love to take videos and edit them, you may be able to turn your skills into a money-maker. Plenty of people want to improve the quality of their videos with the help of a skilled editor. Many fine details go into editing, so get plenty of practice and develop your own portfolio before you offer your services to others. You can also find tutorials online to help you learn the basics of video editing.
Blogging
If you are a 13-year-old that has been through something unique or interesting in your life, starting a blog might be right up your alley. You can share how you overcame something, give advice to other kids, or even work to inform adults about your experiences. If you get enough traffic on your blog, it could start earning money (like this site about weird stuff you can buy) and turn into a profitable business. However, getting your blog to this point will require a lot of time and dedication. The best way to get started on this business is to first jot down your general ideas and then start putting them into words. Test out different formats and see what works best for you. Try sharing your blogs with family and friends and see what feedback they might have to make your writing even more entertaining. Find inspiration from other kid bloggers
In-Home Jobs for 13-year-olds
Some of the best ways to make money at 13 happen in the home. Yes, we said it—stay home and make some money! These jobs take place in either your own home or in others’ homes, but they still require your time and effort. These in-home jobs are great for people who love to work independently or with their loved ones:
Babysitting
Babysitting has been the first job of choice for many young adults. There are several reasons why babysitting is a great way to earn money as a 13-year-old, but the main reason is that it gives you an opportunity to spend time with kids and earn money at the same time. This job can be very rewarding, and it’s also a great way to get a taste of other jobs that require you to have experience working with kids, such as teaching and coaching. Like walking dogs, babysitting is something you can do for siblings or for neighbor kids while your parents are at home before taking on jobs without supervision.
House Sitting
House sitting is a great job that allows you to be independent while staying safe in a friend or neighbor’s home. This job requires you to watch someone’s house while they are gone, usually for a brief period of time, so you won’t have to worry about being alone too long. Many people travel often, so house sitting can be a great opportunity to make money and save for your own future travels. Learn more about house sitting and common expectations.
Cleaning Houses
If you like to clean, cleaning others’ homes might be a good job for you. Many young people begin by cleaning their own homes, then work up to offering their services to other families in the neighborhood. This is a good job for thirteen-year-olds who might not want the pressure of babysitting or dog walking but can handle the responsibility of simple cleaning tasks. Check out some tips on how to clean faster.
Selling Baked Goods
If you love baking, then starting a baked goods business is a great way to do something you like while earning extra cash. You can bake items like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes to sell at local farmers’ markets, or you can even take orders from friends and family. If you’re looking to get into the baked goods business, make sure your parents provide any safety lessons necessary for using cooking equipment. Always be sure to get their permission before using the kitchen. To get started, why not add a delicious chocolate chip cookie to your offerings?
Selling Used Items
Do you have any belongings people might be interested in buying? Options could include collectible items, clothing, toys, and books. You can sell your used items on eBay, set up a table at your local flea market, or even host a yard sale with your family. This is a great opportunity to make some extra cash without investing any of your own money. With the help of your parents, take a look at some ways to make money on the clothes you have outgrown.
Cleaning Out a Basement or Attic
If you have a family member with a basement or attic filled with junk, helping them clear it out might be an opportunity for you. Plenty of people are looking for help cleaning storage spaces in their homes, and some of them may even allow you to sell their unwanted items after the job is done. Remember to always ask permission before entering these spaces and have the owner set clear expectations for the job before you get started. Read some tips on how to clean a basement.
Do Your Chores
Not all jobs have to take place outside of the chores you are expected to do at home. Your parents might not give you money for doing each chore, but they will appreciate that their house is clean and the work is done for them. Then, you can negotiate an allowance or ask them to contribute to your savings. Or, consider discussing with your parents what chores you can do to make some extra cash each week. Completing your chores is a good choice for thirteen-year-olds because it doesn’t require you to leave the house and provides value to the ones you love and live with. Here are some great suggestions on how to earn a better allowance.
In-Public Jobs for 13-year-olds
Just as there are many jobs you can do in your own home, there are also a great number of opportunities to make some money out in public. If you are a thirteen-year-old itching to get out and make some money, consider trying one of the ideas below:
Start a Lemonade Stand
Setting up a lemonade stand is a great job for people who love being outside, especially if you live in a place where it gets hot in the summer. You can have friends or family help you construct your lemonade stand and develop a good recipe before you take things public. All you will need is a place to set up shop that gets plenty of foot traffic—just make sure to get approval from the owner of the space. Just like each of these other jobs, the only way to make money is to develop a good customer base, so read more about how to start your lemonade stand today.
Antiquing
If you love finding old, unique items and want to start a business that allows you to go on the hunt for them, antiquing could be the job for you. Antiquing involves a lot of interaction and travel, but you will be able to find some amazing treasures that people are willing to pay for. The first thing you will need is a local flea market or thrift shop that sells old items, and then you will need to find authentic antiques others are willing to pay for. You’ll need a bit of money to start so you can buy your finds yourself before selling for a profit. Learn more about antiquing for money.
Washing Cars
Washing cars at a local car dealership or on your own property is one way to earn money when you are 13 years old. You’ll need to gather some car washing supplies—especially a bucket, washing cloths or sponges, and car shampoo. Of course, the weather needs to be just right, with a good amount of sunlight suitable for drying. It is important to test your car washing abilities safely at home on your parents’ vehicles before attempting your work on a customer. Check out how kids can start their own car washing business.
Working in a Concession Stand
If you like working with food and want to make some extra money, a concession stand might be perfect for you. You can work after school or on the weekends, and all you need to do is take orders and count change. This job will teach you responsibility because you are holding someone’s food in your hands. Contact a local sports team, amusement park, fair, or even your school to see if they are looking to fill this type of position. Then, take some time to learn how to give back correct change.
Working a Newspaper Route
Newspaper routes are a great job for thirteen-year-olds because often, the only transportation you will need is your own two feet or a bicycle. Alternatively, a parent may be willing to drive you so you can complete a larger route more quickly. You’ll get out of the house early in the morning before school and earn some money before your friends and family even wake up for the day. Contact your local newspaper to see if there is a route available near you.
Creative jobs for 13-year-olds
For the creative or artistically inclined 13-year-olds, there are many different jobs available that don’t go the more traditional route. Being able to express yourself freely while earning money is a great opportunity, especially at a young age. These creative jobs might be just what you need to increase your savings:Creating Art
Creating art and selling the results can be a great way to make money because it allows you to do something you are passionate about. No matter what kind of art you choose to do, there could be a market for well-done, handcrafted work. For that reason, it’s important to take this job seriously and put your best work out there—the only way to make money is to find interested clients willing to buy your masterpieces and return you for more work. If you need inspiration, Pinterest is filled with ideas.
Jewelry Making
Jewelry making is a wonderful hobby that can easily turn into a profitable business, especially if you take the time to learn about trends and new techniques. You can sell your pieces online, at markets and booths, or even just to friends and family members. Like any other creative job, it’s important to put your best work out there because the best way to make money is to find clients willing to buy new pieces in the future. When someone falls in love with your unique jewelry creations, they will be more than happy to pay for something special they can’t easily find anywhere else. Check out this guide on how to start making money from a personal jewelry business.
Selling Tie-Dye T-Shirts
If you are crafty and artistic, tie-dying might be perfect for you. Tie-dyeing t-shirts can help you earn money quickly because the process needed to make the shirts can be completed in several hours. The shirts are popular because each one is unique, especially when you consider the many methods of tie-dying available. You can sell these shirts at local markets, online through Etsy, or even at your own yard sale. Check out this article which details some easy techniques on how to tie-dye for beginners.
Selling Crafts on Etsy
If you love making craft items, you could turn your craft into an online business. Etsy is a great place to sell crafts because it has over 25 million buyers that are looking for something unique. The first thing you will need to do is find the type of craft that resonates with your personality and talents. Then, you can start creating. You can make a nice profit with this business as long as you are willing to put in the time and energy needed to fulfill orders. Check out Etsy’s best-selling crafts for inspiration.
Modeling or Acting
Kids can start modeling or acting at a young age. If you are interested in pursuing this type of work, then it is important to begin building your portfolio. This means you will need headshots, along with a resume that showcases any previous work. If you are looking to model, contact your local modeling agencies to see if they have any open casting calls. If you are interested in acting, consider taking classes or performing in local productions before taking a paid job. This can be done through your school or at your local theater and can be a great source of headshots and other work for your portfolio. If you happen to land an audition, check out some tips here for success.
Photography
If you have developed a love for taking photos, starting a photography business might be the perfect opportunity for you. Many people are looking for someone to capture photos of their family, remember a special event, or even to take photos of their property for a real estate sale or personal album. To get started in photography, you will need to invest in some equipment, including cameras, lenses, and lighting—see if your parents have old equipment you can use, or check your local thrift stores. You can start building your portfolio by taking photos of people and events around town or in the community. When you are ready to start asking for people’s business, you can create your own website or make cards with examples of your work. If you’re new to photography, check out some guidance on how to begin. You can also sell stock photography to sites like Shutterstock.com
Teaching Music Lessons
If you play a musical instrument and love to help others, why not try teaching music lessons? This is a great opportunity for anyone who plays music to earn some extra money. You can offer lessons to other kids in your own home, in their homes, or even in a local public space, church, or community center. Do some research and ask around to see what other venues are available to you. While you may be experienced at your instrument, you might be new to teaching music. Check out some helpful methods here.
Become a teen YouTuber
YouTube is an outlet for many people to create their own channel and content and market themselves online. With YouTube, you don’t need to be an adult—some of the most popular Youtubers are teens. To stand out, you’ll need to come up with a concept or niche that you want to be associated with, which could be anything from gaming, beauty tutorials, toy reviews, family adventures, and more. Once you have your concept, you can start creating videos. It’s important to focus not only on quantity but also quality—this is the key to growing your channel and brand online. Open your channel by publishing an introduction video, then develop a regular posting schedule and stick to it—when viewers know when to come back to watch more videos, they’re more likely to become regular subscribers. Engage with your viewers through comments and messages to help you grow an audience that is interested in what you have to say. YouTube can be an extremely fun, creative job option for a 13-year-old and has the power to change the world and become a full-time hobby or career in your future adult life.
Here are some articles to help you get started as a teen YouTuber and maybe even build a career:
Seasonal Jobs for 13 year olds
With the change of each season comes unique opportunities to make money. Some involve tending to the changes in the weather, while others allow you to enjoy the season in new ways. These seasonal jobs can fit the bill if you’re looking for temporary income:
Raking Leaves
Any thirteen-year-old can do this job because all you need is a rake and large leaf bags. Raking leaves for your neighbors or people in the community is an easy way to make some extra cash—get started by raking your parents’ lawn, then offer to help your neighbors. This is a very seasonal job in high demand during the fall, especially right before your town’s yard waste disposal deadlines. Check with your local government to see when they send crews out to collect yard waste and get an early start. You might be surprised, but there are several strategies to help you become a better raker.
Christmas Caroling
If you love music and singing, caroling might be the ideal job for you. Christmas is a very festive time of the year, and people are often looking for singers to perform in their homes or businesses for holiday parties. All you will need is a good singing voice, a few friends, and some practice, and you can sing Christmas carols for others. A well-organized effort can help you give an entertaining performance and maybe even earn some tips along the way.
Shoveling Snow
Anyone who lives in a snowy climate will need to shovel their driveway and sidewalks each time it snows. If you are able to shovel and are willing to withstand some frosty weather, this job is perfect for you. You can help your parents and neighbors shovel their snow or create your own business by posting flyers in your area with your contact information and pricing. The most important part is to check your local home improvement store to make sure you have the perfect shovel for the job.
Hanging Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are popular during the holidays, and many people would love to decorate their homes. However, if they don’t want to put up a lot of lights and decorations or don’t have time, they will often be willing to hire someone to do it for them. Hanging Christmas lights can be an ideal job for someone who is creative and loves to decorate. Most often, the job involves meeting with your client to receive a list of the lights and decorations that need to be put up. Then, you will complete the installation and negotiate an additional charge for taking down the decorations when the season is finished. It’s important to note that your parents should be included in the conversations with your potential clients—it’s likely best to not get on the roof. Ask a parent to get that difficult part done. At the same time, you can handle other areas around the property like bushes, porches, and small trees. Pinterest is always great for inspiration.
Picking Crops
If you love the outdoors, this seasonal job might be perfect for you. Farmers need help getting their crops gathered and stored before they can sell them to markets and grocery stores. Contact local farms to see if they are hiring pickers or have any need for help. Or, contact neighbors who have fruit trees or vegetable gardens to see if you can offer your time and labor in exchange for payment. You can ask if you can complete the task after school, on the weekends, or even during your free time over school breaks. Learn more about picking fruit for money.
As you can see, there are plenty of jobs that 13-year-olds can do to make money. Whether you prefer to use your muscles or your brain, prefer to stay home or go out in public, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to take part in interesting activities while making some cash. Before deciding to do any job, make sure your parents are involved to review all details and consent to your involvement. Then, get out there and earn some money!
